In case you haven’t heard the news, President Obama has started home brewing in the White House. Not only is this is the first recorded case of any brewing operation in the building, but it also occurs as craft beer is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity across America:
Which begs the question, is this a true hobby of the president, or an attempt to lure the beer vote?
If it’s just a hobby, then I’m glad to have the leader of the free world join the ranks of us home brewers.
But since this is a beer marketing blog, let’s take a look at the second possibility.
It only makes sense to tag along with a popular movement. While employment dropped, the housing market collapsed, the economy tanked, and overall beer sales fell, craft beer has still seen growth. Craft beer employs thousands and is enjoyed by millions. I’d like to stick my name on one of the few economic bright spots, too.
And it’s expected to shine even brighter as 2011 continues.
So if home brewing helps President Obama gain a few votes now from other home brewers and craft beer drinkers, it’s likely to help even more as the election draws nearer.
But it’s not just the beer drinking crowd that will be attracted. In fact, if Medal of Honor recipient Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer’s request to have a home brew with the president is any indication, it may help win the military vote.
And considering all that they do for us, is it a far stretch to assume that some civilians may follow the military’s lead in the next election?
Of course, this is all speculation. All I know is that if the president brews his own beer, then he establishes common ground with many Americans. And it seems many
Americans would much rather vote for someone who shares an interest with them than with someone who does not.
What do you think? Is this a genuine interest of the president’s, or just a way to win votes?
